Snowy owls, who spend most of their lives in the arctic, have descended on southern Canada and parts of the northern United States in record numbers this winter. Well, not so much record numbers, but large numbers that we only see approximately every seven years (and I’ve lived near one of their stopping spots for over twenty years and never seen them before this!).
Snowy owls usually remain in the arctic all year, and I’ve read two somewhat contradictory-sounding theories about why large numbers of them head south when they do (both theories involving lemmings). In the arctic, the owls’ main food source is lemmings (those small rodents that are said to follow one another over a cliff –which is a myth to account for their sometimes sudden population drops). Lemming populations naturally rise and fall (no cliffs involved). I’ve read that when lemming populations are down, the Snowy owls venture south to look for food, but I’ve also read the opposite. When the lemming population drops, so do Snowy owl births, and when the lemming population rises, the number of owls rises as well. So, a second theory suggests that it’s after a big lemming year that there are so many owls, many need to head south to look for winter food. Maybe it’s a combination of both: more lemmings, more owls, then the lemming population drops and there are still a lot of owls but not so much food. Whatever the reason, I benefited this year by getting to see a lot of these wonderful birds up close!
We counted 21 owls sitting on logs and stumps near the walking path on the dike along the edge of Boundary Bay in Richmond (near Vancouver). They appeared to be mostly just resting, undisturbed by the human onlookers, though occasionally one would take flight and glide a short way to another rest spot. It was especially impressive each time an owl slowly rotated its large stocky head and pierced me with those uncanny yellow eyes.
While most owls tend to hunt at night, Snowy owls are active in the day, feeding mostly at dawn and dusk. During their southern stopover they eat mice, voles, ducks, hares and even fish. They also need to conserve energy for their flight back to the arctic, so it’s important not to disturb them.
Click here for a New York Times article on the Snowy owls: article
You can also see more (and better quality) photos of Boundary Bay Snowy owls on A Powell River Photo Blog
Tags: Greater Vancouver, Richmond, Snowy owls
February 19, 2012 at 8:35 pm |
I’ve heard both theories of why they come south also, though it doesn’t matter why, it’s enough that they do and we get to see them, even if rarely.
(And thanks for the link to my page!)
February 19, 2012 at 8:48 pm |
You’re welcome, Paul, and yes, so glad I was able to see them (and hoping I can get back there one more time before they leave)
February 21, 2012 at 2:39 am |
I’m intrigued as to which possibility it is (the reason they’re here) but in either case, we can be pretty sure it’s lemming-related, as you say. Thanks for the great information. Having seen them from this very spot, I agree that it’s nothing short of magical to be in their presence … especially with so many in one location. Lovely post!
February 21, 2012 at 10:05 am |
Thanks, Ingrid!
February 22, 2012 at 10:52 pm |
Lucky! They’re gorgeous.
February 23, 2012 at 11:42 am |
Thanks, Yousei!
March 1, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Thanks for visiting. I came back to see if you had anything new. 😉 I still love these guys. Wish I could see one someday.
March 1, 2012 at 11:06 pm |
I actually did manage to write a few haiku on the very last day of NaHaiWriMo, and composed a blog post in my head while on the bus, but haven’t gotten around to posting it. It may happen eventually…
March 1, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Whenever if ever is fine. I really just came by as a return visit … and to tease you a bit. Any signs of spring your way? My daffodils are popping up.
March 2, 2012 at 12:35 am |
We have lots of signs of spring, but then snow yesterday (haiku followed). Thanks for the visit and the gentle push.